13 month old - walking

[Hoppyhops]

Hi,
DS has just started taking steps independently. He has been walking around, holding hands for a couple of months but can now let go and walk for a short distance.

The problem is, if he lets go and starts to walk off (with me hovering behind) he starts crying. Then, if I grab his hand, he carries on crying. This mainly happens if we’re outside in the garden. Any tips? Is this just part of learning?

He loves walking, holding one hand, around shops etc. so is it just a case of still feeling a bit too scared to let go?

It's a huge step for him and he probably feels safer in a more confined space like home or shops than he does in the garden which will look to him like a vast empty space.

Thanks! I thought that was probably it. It’s like he wants to let go but as soon as he does, he gets scared. It’s all just very new to him!